F 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap, f 1 1.<\ 
Shelf . l^fsm 

PRESENTED BY 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



15IP(lS)|ffiW?^11i}i)i^^ 




glii^ii^igliigliiMli^ill^MM^ll^ 



A 



Rummer 



HOME. 




PAVILI0N HeTEU 

HeWE'S CAVE, 

N. Y. 



A SUMMER HOME. 



^^-^^i^^:?^^ 



H 



AYILION lOTEL, 



HOWK'S Cavk, 



SCHOHARIE COUNTY, N. Y. 



H0WES Save QsseeiATieN, 

C. H. RAMSEY, Gen'L Manager. 
Address: PAVILION MOTEL, 

SCHOHARIE CO., H. Y. 



Albany, N. Y. ; 
Van Benthuysen Prinitng House. 



^ 




CITY AND COUNTRY, 



By Oliver Wendell Holmes, M. D. 

;).j 11679 

Come back to your mother, ye children, for shame, 
Who have wandered, like truants, for riches and fame ! 
With a smile on her face, and a sprig in her cap. 
She calls you to feed from her bountiful lap. 

Come out from your alleys, your courts and your lanes, 
And breathe, like your eagles, the air of our plains ; 
Take a whiff from our fields, and your excellent wives 
Will declare 'tis all nonsense insuring your lives. 

Come, you of the law, who can talk, if you please. 
Till the man in the moon will allow it's a cheese. 
And leave '* the old lady that never tells lies," 
To sleep with her handkerchief over her eyes. 

Ye healers of men, for a moment decline 

Your feats in the rhubarb and ipecac line ; 

While you shut up your turnpike, your neighbors can go 

The old roundabout road to the regions below. 

You clerk, on whose ears ai-e a couple of pens, 
And whose head is an ant-hill of units and tens ; 
Though Plato denies you, we welcome you still — 
As a " featherless biped," in spite of your quill. 

Poor drudge of the city ! how happy he feels 

With the burs on his legs and the grass at his heels ! 

No dodger behind his bandanas to share — 

No constable grumbling, " You mustn't walk there ! " 

******* 

Then come from all parties and parts to our feast ; 
Though not at the " Astor," we'll give you at least 
A bite at an apple, a seat on the grass, 
And the best of pure — water — at nothing a glass ! 



L'> 






c*.«t 




"WHERE SHALL WE GO?" 



With every recurring spring the question is often asked, in the family circle 
and in the place of business, in fact on every hand, ^^ Where shall we go this 
summer?'''' and as soon as the interesting and important question is satisfac- 
torily settled, then commence the active preparations for the annually looked- 
for summer vacation from the trials and confinements of a busy city life during 
a long and severe winter season. Many details are taken into consideration, 
however, before this final conclusion can be reached. New and attractive 
spots are often wanted, ease of access thereto must be looked into, the climatic 
variations is inquired about, pure spring water is demanded — a nrost important 
requisite ; superior cuisine and courteous attention expected. All these require- 
ments, with many more, must be had to insure a genuine season of comfort and 
pleasure. It is not impossible to find just such a place as one may wish, for 
there are many ; but it is sometimes hard to decide between them, and it there- 
fore becomes necessary to call in a " friend," as we now propose to constitute.^ 
ourselves in presenting the following pages for your earnest consideration. ; 

It is with some degree of satisfaction that we can sincerely recommend to 
you as meeting all the requirements mentioned. 



THE PAVILION HOTEL, 

which has been erected wdth an eye single to the health and comfort of its 
patrons, fully realizing that in doing this its popularity and success is assured. 
It is constructed both of stone and wood, is three stories in height, and so ar- 
ranged, both interior and exterior, that the most exacting person cannot take 
exceptions. The sleeping-rooms are all large and elegantly furnished. Many 



are arranged en suite, with private parlor, bath, etc. The house is lit through- 
out with gas, heated by steam when necessary, every room connected with the 
office by electric bell, hot and cold baths on every floor. 

THE MAIN PAELOE 

is large, handsomely furnished with every desirable requisite, and with the 
wide piazzas so situated as to command a magnificent view of the picturesque 
valley and mountain ranges beyond. 

THE DINING-EOOMS 

are spacious and cheerful, and can be arranged, if desirable, and subdivided 
into several rooms for private parties or families. All the requisites are of the 
best quality. This department of the hotel will have the best attention. 
A comfortable dining-room is also provided for nurses and children. 

THE OUISINE. 

While not intending to make any exaggerated claim upon this score, for this 
is too often done, yet we cannot refrain to assert the intention to make it a close 
study; and it will be the earnest endeavor of the Manager to furnish the table 
with nothing but the best that money can procure, prepared in a wholesome and 
palatable style, and served with promptness and politeness. The Pavilion 
Hotel is located in a most fertile region, which will permit us to furnish in 
abundance //'^j-// fruit and vegetables, 2l\\^ pure milk and butter and fresh eggs, 
all of which are produced in the immediate vicinity, and are eagerly sought 
and duly appreciated by those seeking " truly a summer home." 

THE orriOE. 

This important department is fully in keeping with all others. It is large, 
light and airy, and furnished with every requirement of a first-class establish- 
ment. A very attractive and desirable feature is the immense fire-place, in 
which, when the weather might require, as it sometimes does at so high an 
altitude as the hotel is located, a grand old "New England log fire " can be 
made, around which at eventide all love to congregate, the whole can be heated 
when required by steam and stoves. 

SANITAEY AEEANGEMENTS. 

This most important feature, as it should, has had special attention, both in 
and outside the hotel, for, we regret to say, it is a subject that is many times 
neglected in summer hotels, and is one that will be given due consideration' by 
those contemplating a sojourn at such resorts. In the Pavilion Hotel a perfect 
system of water supply, drainage and ventilation has been established and made 
a specialty, thus making the air therein pure and invigorating during the warmest 



season. Facing the south, with no obstructions on either the east or west, at an 
altitude of over one thousand feet above sea level, with maple and pine groves in 
close proximity, it will at once be admitted that it possesses superior recommen- 
dations, so far as pure air and water and sanitary conditions are concerned. 

In addition to all we have mentioned, it is peculiarly gratifying to be able to 
call attention to still another important feature, that of drinking water. The 
hotel is supplied with 

PUEE SPEING WATEE 

which is drawn from Crystal Spring in Howe's Cave, the supply being inex- 
haustible. Although we make no special claim as to its medicinal qualities, 
yet it has been pronounced by competent persons to possess rare properties, 
having in a number of known cases produced the most beneficial results. It 
is as pure as crystal, and is peculiarly refreshing to all those who partake of 
it. This, we are sure, will not be overlooked by those to whom we have 
addressed these few pages. 

ENTEETAINMENT. 

Fully realizing that our guests will require entertainments of various kinds, 
we have provided for them, among other things, a billiard room, bowling alley, 
and a large hall for charades, concerts and dances. In addition to these indoor 
amusements will be arranged a tennis court, croquet lawn, swings, etc. 

Excursions will be arranged from time to time to Cooperstown (Otsego lake), 
Sharon Springs, Richfield Springs, Saratoga and other desirable places. 

In connection with the hotel is a first-class livery, where good vehicles and 
horses can be had at all times, and at reasonable rates; and as the region in 
which the hotel is situated is famous for its delightful drives, the livery will be 
generally availed of, no doubt. 

To the lovers of piscatorial sport we can offer good black bass fishing within 
but a comparatively short distance of the hotel. 

In all arrangements for entertainment due consideration for the comfort and 
pleasures of the children will be had, for it is desirous to make " The Pavilion " 
in reality a siinwier home, where all alike, young and old, may feel happy and 
contented. 

While under the head of " entertainment," we must not neglect to call your 
attention to the most interesting and wonderful feature in close proximity to 
the hotel, Howe's Cave, a full description of which will be found further on. 
Here the student of nature can find rare studies. 

LOCATION. 

The Pavilion Hotel is located within a few minutes' walk of Howe's Cave 
station, on the Susquehanna division of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Com- 



pany's Railroad, thirty-nine miles west of Albany, N. Y. Numerous trains 
stop here daily, bringing the tourist from every section. Situated as it is on a 
spur of the Catskills, it would indeed be difficult to find in all New York State 
a more delightful spot for a summer residence, where everything combines to 
make a sojourn thereat an enjoyable one. 

From the spacious balconies of the hotel in the front is had a magnificent 
view, one that an admirer of nature loves to contemplate — the fertile valley 
in the foreground, with its rich fields of grain, its orchards of luscious fruit, 
the grazing cattle, the rippling brooks, the many happy country homes, with 
the majestic Catskills constituting the background. It is a perfect landscape 
indeed. 

In close proximity to the hotel is a fine grove, where walks have been laid 
out, seats arranged, swings erected, and many other desirable features intro- 
duced. 

HOW TO EEAOH THE PAVILION HOTEL. 

The situation of the hotel is good indeed for patrons from every section. 
Taking New York City as the main starting point, one has the choice of several 
desirable routes, as follows : 

Via People^ s Line of Steamers — Leaves pier 41, North River, at 6 p. M., arriv- 
ing at Albany early the next morning ; then take train of the D. & H. C. 
Co. 's R. R., reaching Howe's Cave station in time for breakfast. 

Via New York, West Shore dr^ Buffalo Railroad — Leave either Pennsylvania 
railroad depot, Jersey City, or depot foot of 42d street, or Weehawken, in 
the morning, arriving at Howe's Cave station in the afternoon. A buffet 
parlor car is attached to the trains of this road, running through to Howe's 
Cave, Sharon Springs and Cooperstown. This is a particularly desirable 
route for guests from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and the South. 

]^ia N'ew York Central &^ Hudsojt River Railroad — Leave Grand Central 
Depot, 42d street, in the morning, arriving at Albany for dinner ; thence 
via D. & H. C. Co. 's R. R., reaching Howe's Cave station before supper. 
The IIP. M. train is also a very desirable one, bringing visitors to the 
hotel in the forenoon of the next day. 

The actual time from New York is about five and a half hours. 

A parlor car is run through to Howe's Cave station on all trains from Albany. 
Baggage can be checked through from starting point. 

Visitors from the West via the Erie railroad and connections will change at 
Binghamton, taking at that point trains of the D. & H. C. Co.'s R. R., all of 
which arrive at Howe's Cave station at reasonable hours. Wagner parlor 
cars are run on all day trains, and Pullman sleepers at night. 




VIEW FROM PORCH OF THE PAVILION HOTEL 



EATES rOR BOAED. 

The following rates for room and board will be observed throughout the 
season : 

Per day $2 50 

Per week 10 00 to $1500 

Depending upon location of rooms. 
1^^ Special rates will be made for longer periods and for families. 

In making application for rates it is particularly desirable that applicants 
should state explicitly the time of probable arrival and length of sojourn, 
number of rooms required ; if any children, how many, and ages, etc. By 
complying with this request much time can be saved in reaching conclusions, 
and possibly some annoyance and embarrassment to the applicant, for it is very 
important that these details should be known in advance. 

A first-class laundry is attached to the hotel. The charges of the same will 
be liberal, and work promply executed. 

The Pavilion Hotel will be open for the reception ot guests June 15th. 

In order to secure a choice of roonis, applications should be made at once to 
the undersigned. To aid in the selection of rooms, a diagram of the interior 
of the hotel will be furnished upon application. 

In conclusion permit us to here reassert our intention to do all possible to 
merit a large patronage from every section ; adding also, that it is our sincere 
belief that a no more desirable place can be selected by those now seeking a 
"summer home " than the Pavilion Hotel. 

Address, 

PAVILION HOTEL, 

Hoive's Cave, Schoharie Co., N. Y. 




Nature's Wonder. 



h:oaa7"E's (dj^'ve. 



It chanced that the writer, while in a half somnolent condition, induced by a 
long night's ride in a railroad car, overheard snatches of a convsrsation which 
ran somewhat thus : 

"Yes, sir; three miles right into the bowels of the earth — nothing like it 
in the whole country, sir, aside from Mammoth Cave." 

*' Pooh ! a mere dripping crevice in the rocks, I presume, or a dirty hole in 
the ground." 

*' No, sir; wide and high, with waterfalls, galleries and halls for three miles, 
and the end not reached yet." 

Subsequent inquiry elicited the fact that it was Howe's Cave, in Schoharie 
county. New York, which had formed the subject of this conversation, and the 
next opportunity which afforded itself we visited the wonderful natural curi- 
osity. Howe's Cave is the name of a station on the Albany and Susquehanna 
Railroad, thirty-nine miles west of Albany. 

A short climb of a few rods up the hill on the west side of Cobles Kill 
brings the visitor to the hotel — an elegant stone and wood structure, well 
shaded, with bioad, cool piazzas, which overlook the fertile valley in front, 
with a considerable hill in the distance- -a spur of the Catskills. Down a 
short flight of stairs from the office of the hotel we find the dressing-rooms, 
and soon have on an underground suit, including thick boots, etc., and with an 
oscillating tin lamp rigged upon the end of a four-foot stick are ready for our 
underground journey. The entrance to the cave is direct from the house, 
almost the same as if it were a cellar. An irregular, circular opening in the 
limestone, through which we pass by a level path, brings us at once into an 



II 

atmosphere of about 55 degrees, which, being a sudden transition of some 35 
degrees, produces a momentary chill ; this, however, is soon gone, giving place 
to a delicious sense of coolness. A short distance brings us to the " Reception 
Room," some forty feet wide and fifteen feet high; a wonderful place indeed, 
the walls and floor all ornamented with stalagmites. Near by, up an ascending 
path, we find another large room called the " Bridal Chamber," from the wall of 
which extends huge stalagmites, known as "Washington's Epaulet '' and "Lady 
Washington's Hood," bearing a most striking resemblance to the objects they 
are named after. The room is ornamented by a circular dome, so high that the 
light of the lamp does not render the top of it visible. On we go, and next 
come to a gallery seventy-five feet high, in the " Giant's Chapel," above the main 
path which traverses all the while a spacious hall from fifteen to twenty feet high. 
Two iron pipes are observed fastened to the rocks — one for gas, and the other 
for water. The water is taken from a subterranean lake or spring further on 
which supplies the hotel, and the gas is manufactured on the premises. Gas jets 
are lighted at intervals, which illuminate the underground galleries and passages, 
producing brilliant and weird effects. The path is quite level and tolerably dry, 
and the loose stones are cleaned out so that we walk with nearly the same facility 
that we would upon an ordinary road. Next we come to the " Straight and Nar- 
row Way," some three or four feet wide at the bottom, while at the height of a 
man's head it is so narrow that there is just room for the head to pass through. 

We have long since passed out of hearing of all noises from the outside 
world ; but now a strange, unearthly sound comes from the depths beyond — a 
rumbling which awakens mysterious echoes. What is it? Presently the 
mystery is explained ; here is a pool of water which comes down a gentle incline 
alongside the path beyond, and forming a whirlpool, disappears in some cavity 
below. The "Pool of Siloam " this is called. Through the entire length 
stalagmites of the most fantastic shapes ornament the walls, while overhead 
stalactites hang from the roof like icicles. " The Giant's Spectacles " is one of 
these, which bears a most striking resemblance to a huge pair of eye-glasses. 
But what is this sound which comes from within — a heavy roar, as if a cataract 
had burst and was sweeping down upon us ? The first impulse is to retreat, 
and we should obey it, too, were we alone ; but our guide reassures us, and on 
we go. More wonders ! " The Meat Market," containing a stalagmitic quarter 
of beef hung upon the wall. 

The most striking feature is these wonderful deposits of carbonate of lime, 
produced by water charged with carbonic acid stolen from the soil percolating 
through the fissured rock above, and dissolving the lime, leaving the carbonate 
adhering to the sides, floors and roof. Here is a most remarkable deposit of 
many tons' weight — " The Tower of Babel," which blocks the path and reaches 
to a great height. The " Elephant's Head " and " Indian Dugout " are passed, 
and then we come to the "Haunted Castle," a large circular chamber, having 
a niche at one side just wide enough to admit the body of our guide. 



12 

A low note produced here echoes and re-echoes mysteriously through the 
silent chambers, completely filling the cavern with a weird vibration, unearthly 
and indescriable. Near by is the " Music Room," where musical tones appear 
to be never done echoing, but go dancing gaily about, returning again and 
again, filling the air with harmony. A wonderful place for echoes this. A 
board on being raised and let fall with a " slap " upon the clayey path, sounds 
like a clap of near thunder, whose echoes roll and rumble frightfully. Just 
beyond we pass the " Keel of Noah's Ark," and here the noise of the cataract 
increases to a thunderous sound. On we go; it must be a young Niagara at 
least. Soon we come to it, and lo ! a tiny waterfall some four or five feet high, 
and perhaps a foot wide, at the outlet of a little lake. 

We are now something over a mile from daylight, and here the gas-pipe ends. 
A boat is moored ready for us, which we enter. The Styx and old Charon are 
brought forcibly to mind. We push out on this miniature subterranean lake, 
sailing under a limestone arch, the sides of which are ornamented with fantas- 
tic shapes in bas relief, resemblingdivers objects. ".The Egyptian Pyramids," 
the "Owl," "Elephant's Ear," "Sheep's Head," "Howe's Vegetable Gar- 
den," containing striking similitudes of beets, carrots, etc., "Lady of the 
Lake," her face turned modestly to the wall, "Washington's Monument," the 
"Circus Rider," "Old Church Organ," "Old-fashioned Pulpit"— all these 
are wonderfully suggestive of the names they have received. 

Here a stalagmite bears a striking likeness to the date "8ii." But what is 
this ? A huge stalagmite, equal to a sphere of rock thirty feet in diameter, 
blocks the way from floor to roof, and we can only get around it through a 
creeping hole away at the top. A wonderful mass this, and strikingly sugges- 
tive of ttie long periods which must have been required in its forming. The 
lake, which is a quarter of a mile in length, is passed ; and now we grope 
onward without gas by the dim light of our lamps. Here we find a huge hour- 
glass-shaped stalactite and stalagmite which have grown together in the center. 
But what is this overhead? A long, level cornice of rock, hanging over the 
edge of which is a wonderful series of stalactites, like the edge of drapery, 
forming wonderfully graceful curves and fringes. 

Here is the " Old Lady Dipping Candles." The forms of the stalactites seem 
to increase in beauty and interest the farther we go. Here are more drapery 
edges — "The Baby Elephant," " Uncle Tom's Cabin," with "Aunt Chloe's 
Bonnet "just as she left it, natural as life. Now we come to the " Yo Semite 
Valley," a deep canon along the edge of which we creep fifty feet above the 
stream below. Here is " Pike's Peak," a pure stalagmite forty feet high; and 
another, " The Leaning Tower of Pisa." "The Bottomless Pit " is passed, and 
next we come to a spot where the roof seems to have been crushed in. Overhead, 
for a considerable distance, are masses of rock. We pass underneath these and 
through the "Valley of Jehosaphat," and soon afterward the course, which 
seems to have been nearly straight thus far, is suddenly blocked by a solid wall. 




CRYSTAL LAKE— PULPIT ROCK. 



14 

From this point another passage leads to the left, forming nearly a right 
angle with that which we have been following up. This passage has never 
been explored to its full extent. Another similar passage opens to the right, 
and as this is the easiest to walk through and our time is limited, we take that. 
More wonders yet, the first of which is the "Winding Way," a long passage 
which is only wide enough to pass through.* This passage is very crooked, 
forming a long series of "S's," so that you can hardly see a person in any 
portion of it three feet ahead. This wonderful passage is said to be eighty 
rods long, and its walls — as, indeed, the walls throughout the entire course — 
are smooth as glass, though ridged and corniced with wonderful regularity.* 
At the end of this crooked passage is the "Devil's Gateway" — rightly named, 
leading as it does opposite the straight and narrow way — and then we come to 
the "Silent Chamber." 

Hark ! we have long since passed out of hearing of the cataract and the 
ripple of the little brook which we lost near the end of the main passage, and 
now no sound reaches us from the outer world ; a stillness as of the grave holds 
everything in a silence so profound that it seems to be crystallized. 

" Now," quoth the guide in solemn tones, as if a dead man spoke, " let us 
blow out our lights." 

" But — your matches — have you matches ? Recollect we are three miles from 
daylight, and — " 

"Here are matches, and see they are good;" and out went both lights. 
"Now listen and watch for five minutes." 

And we listened in the silence that was really dead, and in the darkness that 
was really profound, watching the two mysterious, indistinctly luminous balls 
of light which our guide tells us are always seen by persons who try this 
experiment until the silence seemed to creep up and around us like some subtile 
medium dense as water. There is a stillness in the heart of the great forest 

where the note of the singing bird is never heard, nor the chirp of an insect a 

silence so deep that the grating of a lily pod against your boat sounds like harsh 
thunder, and the far-off note of the loon like the wail of a lost spirit awakening 
echoes which sound as if they might be heard, perhaps, once in a thousand 
years ; but here there is nothing but silence and darkness. 

Ah ! here are the lights again and on we go, passing the first stalagmite clear 
as crystal, named the "Broken Column; " then through "Fat Man's Misery," 
a narrow passage in which poor old Jack Falstaff would surely have stuck fast. 
From this point a passage through which we are obliged to crawl leads to the 
" Rotunda," the greatest wonder of all, a circular room twenty-five feet in 
diameter, and which rises, our guide tells us, to a height of three hundred feet, 
decreasing as the height increases so that at the top the space diminishes to a 
mere point. This was too much. 



* This is said to be a curiosity not found in any other cavern. 



15 

" How do you know this hall is three hundred feet high? " we inquired of 
our guide. To be sure, with our lights we couldn't see the top of it ; but then 
one was not quite obliged to believe such a tremendous story as that. 

" I'll tell you," he replied. " We have repeatedly fired rockets up into this 
space, and a rocket warranted to burst at three hundred feet just shows the 
upper end." This is the most wonderful feature of all, and fitly ends our 
mysterious journey. 

A brisk walk of an hour brings us to daylight once more, into which we 
emerge at the mouth of the cave as into a hot oven. 

" What is the history of this wonderful cave ? " 

So far as the present generation, or perhaps race, is aware, it is about as 
follows, we were told : 

In 1842, Lester Howe, an eccentric genius withal, was hunting foxes near 
the present mouth of this cave, and stepped into a hole which didn't seem to him 
to have any bottom. He thereupon explored further, and found the hole was 
about eighteen feet deep, and let into the wonderful passage which we have 
endeavored in vain to describe. After having satisfied himself of its great 
extent, he got possession of the farm which he thought covered the main por- 
tion of the cave, and soon afterward explored it thoroughly, and opened it to 
the public. Subsequently he sold it at a high figure to the "Howe's Cave 
Association," its present owners, and then retired to a small farm on the oppo- 
site side of the valley, where he still lives in peace and quietness. 

But I imagine our worthy president, who is seldom satisfied with any 
exploration which stops much short of the profoundest depths, raising his massive 
brow, and with mien severe and measured tones, speaking thus : " Your expla- 
nation is good so far as it goes, young man, but recollect that the portion of 
time during which the present race of mortals have inhabited this globe, com- 
pared with that longer fragment of eternity which has elapsed since first this 
earth swung into space — a drop of molten matter — is as the time consumed 
by a cannon-shot passing over a hair's breadth space, to its whole flight ; what 
then does science say of the history of this cave — its complete history ? " 

"That must be left to wiser heads than mine, but I can guess as well as 
another." 

"Then guess." Every Tahawan knows what follows disobedience to the 
dread orders of the president. With the fearful alternative before us then, we 
venture to say that the history of the cave may be divided into periods. 

First, when nearly " all the world was in the sea," and only now and then 
a mountain range or peak reared its head above the briny waters, the waves of 
the ocean found their way into a crevice which existed in this cavernous lime- 
stone. How that crevice was first formed, who knows ? Perhaps a mere crack 
was filled with softer material which easily washed out, and perhaps the internal 
fires of the earth made a fissure in this immense mass of limestone, ages after 
the limestone itself was built up on its basis of animal life ; for it is about 



i6 

settled, we believe, that the limestone formation, through its entire thickness 
of some eight miles, is made up of organic remains. However, the beginning 
was made, the waves surged in and out of this cavern for ages, opening all 
these intricate passages, and ornamenting the sides and roofs with these shapes, 
like inverted mouldings in the style of Egyptian architecture. So far we are 
right; nothing but water could ever have worn the rocks into such shapes, for 
these rare cornices are only duplicates of the markings which we see to-day 
upon rock-bound sea and lake shores, while the domes are simply inverted- 
" pot-holes," formed by the swirl of waters. 

"What proof? " you ask, and the answer is ready: A little water-rolled 
pebble now before us which we found more than two miles inside the cave, 
and there are hundreds more of them through its entire length. But there 
came a time when the waters subsided, and here closed the first period. 

Perhaps if it had continued, nature would have worn the whole limestone 
mountain away, and all the faster too for this subterranean work, for nature is 
always engaged at her task of exalting the valleys and bringing the mountains 
low. But the waters subsided, and this underground work stopped. 

Then came the second period, during which the water percolated through 
the rocks, dropping slowly and depositing perhaps a film of stalagmite in a 
hundred years or two. Calculate now how long this period continued, during 
which, by such constant dropping, a stone thirty-five feet in diameter would 
be deposited. 

Then came the last period, during which the present system of waters wore 
away the ancient stalagmites, and perhaps deepened the cave slightly. 

The average temperature of the cave is about fifty-five degrees during the 
entire year, seeming cool in summer and warm in winter. During the extremes 
of hot and cold weather it is a luxury to visit it. The air is pure and invigo- 
rating, visitors scarcely feel fatigue in traveling miles through it. High medical 
authority has pronounced it decidedly beneficial to those afflicted with pulmo- 
nary or lung difficulties, and, in several cases, immediate relief has been ex- 
perienced by those laboring under temporary colds, and depression of the lungs ; 
no case is known where any person has taken cold in being inside the cave. 

The whole is a wonderful creation and an interesting study, as well for those 
who admire the beauties and curiosities of nature, as for those who adore the 
Great Author of the Universe, and delight in contemplating His wondrous 
works. 



"I^Since the foregoing was written, a narrow-gauge railway has been commenced 
in the cave, which will be laid as far as the lake, without in any manner marring the 
natural beauties of the cave. This road is utilized for bringing out the remarkable 
deposit of clay that exists in a portion of the cave, which will be manufactured into 
building brick and Portland cement of a superior quality. By the removal of this 



17 

deposit of clay it is believed that many recesses in the mountain will be devel- 
oped and the cave still further added to in extent and grandeur. The railway 
when completed can be availed of by visitors upon returning to the mouth of 
the cave. It will be a very attractive and appreciable feature. 

A nominal fee is charged to visit the cave, and guides are furnished at rea- 
sonable rates. No extortion is practiced or allowed in this particular. 

Dressing-rooms, with costumes, and other requisites, have been provided for 
visitors in the hotel, and immediately at the entrance to the cave. 

The cave and " The Pavilion Hotel " with the surrounding property is owned 
by the Howe's Cave Association, which corporation also has extensive quarries 
and mines near by. From the quarries is taken some of the finest building stone 
in the state, and the stone from the mines is manufactured into the celebrated 
"Ramsey's hydraulic cement." These mines and quarries are interesting 
places to visit, and are inspected by many persons. 





ROUTES TO HOWE'S CAVE. 



f 



I 



19 

THOS. COOK & SON, 

Tourist i E^^cur^ion Agents, 

(established 1841.) 

OHIEr AMERICAN OPPIOE, 261 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 



TOURIST TICKETS FOR INDIYIDUAL TRAVELERS 



BY ALL THE CHIEF 



Railway, Steam; boat, 



AND 



Staoe Lines. 

TO ALL PARTS OF THE 

United States and Canada, 

AND TO ALL PARTS OF THE GLOBE. 



COOK'S TICKETS are issued under Special Arrangements with the 
companies over whose lines they are available. They are issued specially for 
pleasure travel, and in many cases 

Full particulars in COOK'S EXCURSIONIST, published monthly, by 
mail, for ten cents. 

Address THOS. COOK & SON, 261 Broadway, NEW YORK. 

Branches — Boston, 197 Washington St. Philadelphia, 337 Walnut St. 
St. Louis, cor. Sixth & Pine Sts. Cleveland, 133 Superior St. 



20 



Delaware & Hudson Canal Go's 

-i|-I^AIIiI^OADS.-|^- 



(( 



SARATOGA LINE" 



TO 



THE SPRINGS, LAKES 

AND MOUNTAINS 



OF 



Montreal, Quebec, The Adirondacks, 
Lake George, Lake Champlain, 
Saratoga, Howe's Cave, 

Sharon Springs, Cooperstown. 

l^ULiLMAN 01^ ^AGNBI^ (©Af^S 

ON THROUQH TRAINS. 



Send for Descriptive Pamphlets and information as to Rates, 
Time Tables, etc., to 

J. W. BURDICK, Gen'l Pass'r Agent, 

ALBANY, N. Y. 



21 



New York Central & Hudson River R. R, Co., 

LESSEES OF THE 

WEST SHORE ROUTE! 

Superbly Built and Magniflceiitlj Equipped Double Track Liue Between 

New York, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, 

and Niagara Falls. 

Forming, in Connection with other Popular Roads, the 

DIRECT AND QUICK ROUTE 
CANADA, DETROIt/cHICAGO, ST. LOUIS, 

AND THK WEST AND SOUTHWEST. 

The Finest Buffet Sleeping Cars 

EVER PLACED IN SERVICE ON ANY LINE ARE RUN REGULARLY 

Between BOSTON and CHICAGO, 
BOSTON and ST, LOUIS, 

NEW YORK and CHICIGO, 

NEW YORK and ROCHESTER, 

NEW YORK and DETROIT, 
NEW YORK, BUFFALO and NIAGARA FALLS. 

MGNlTlGWlffFFn^ARLOR G'ARS 

With elegant interior decorations of the latest designs, are run regularly 
Between BOSTON and ROCHESTER, 
NEW YORK and ALBANY, 

NEW YORK, BUFFALO and NIAGARA FALLS, 
NEW YORK and CATSKILL MOUNTAINS, 
NEW YORK and SARATOGA, 

NEW YORK, HOWE'S CAVE and SHARON SPRINGS. 

Trains to and from New York run via the picturesque West Shore of Hudson River and 

through the Mohawk Valley, 



ONLY ALL-RAIL EOUTE TO OATSKILL MOUNTAIN RESOETS. 

'For time-tables and information address, 

HENRY MONETT, General Passenger Agent, 

280 Broadway, New York City. 



22 



delaware &. hudson 
Canal Go's R. R. 



cc 



STJSGiTJEHiJLnsri^rj^ r)i"v." 



THIS DIVISION BETWEEN 

BINGHAMTON and ALBANY, 

ALONG WHICH ARE 

|OWE}'S iAYE, 

Sharon Springs, 



/5Nl) (sooperstown, 

Is attracting in an unusual degree the attention of Tourists 
to the 

REMARKABLE BEAUTY OP THE COUNTRY 

through which it passes. There is 

NOT A MILE OF MONOTONOUS SCENERY 

THROUGHOUT ITS ENTIRE LENGTH. 

and it is the united verdict of the thousands of pleasure seekers 
who are attracted thither every year, that the Hne holds unique 
and unequaled position in the character of its 

SCKNIC ATTRACTIONS. 



23 



PEOPLE'S Line, 



THE FIRST-CLASS 



Evening Line on tlie Hudson River 

BETWEEN 

NEW YORK AND ALBANY. 

DREW, Dean Richmond, 

Capt. S. J. ROE. Capt. THOS. POST. 



KRONI PIKR. 4:1, NORTH RIVKR, 

FOOT OF CAHAL STREET, Wear Jersey City Ferry, DesLrosses Street, 

At o-oo p. m. every week day. 

Connecting at ALBANY with trains from the New York Central for the 
WEST; Delaware & Hudson Canal Co's Roads for aH points NORTH; 
SARATOGA, MT. McGREGOR, LAKE GEORGE, LAKE CHAM- 
PLAIN, SCHROON LAKE and the ADIRONDACK REGIONS, RUT- 
LAND, BURLINGTON, PLATTSBURG and AUSABLE CHASM, ST. 
ALBANS, MONTREAL, OGDENSBURG, the WHITE MOUNTAINS; 
Albany and Susquehanna for HOWE'S CAVE, COOPERSTOWN, OSTEGO 
LAKE, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, SHARON SPRINGS; and Boston, 
Hoosic Tunnel & Western R. R., Boston & Albany R. R., for LEBANON 
SPRINGS, PITTSFIELD and the East. Local Trains for TROY every 
half-hour, connecting with Troy & Boston R. R. Also for HOOSAC FALLS, 
WILLIAMSTOWN and NORTH ADAMS. 

^tatePoom^ ^ecuPed and Tic^et^ ^old in WeW YoPl^, 

At the Principal Hotels and Ticket Offices throughout the 
South, and at the Office on 

PIER 41 (Old No.), NORTH RIVER, foot of Canal St, 

And on Board Stkamers. 

Passengers from the South take Desbrosses Street Ferry from Jersey City, lauding 
ONLY ONE PIER FROM PEOPLE'S LINE DOCK. 

J. H. ALLAIRE, General Ticket Agent, M. B. WATERS, General Passenger Agent, 

IHer 41, N. R., foot of Canal St., N, T, ALBANY. 



24 

— THE-* 



COOPER*HOUSE, 

COOPERSTOWN, OTSEGO LAKE, N. Y. 

This House is the Principal Hotel at Cooperstown, and is well worthy its 
beautiful surroundings. It is an extensive and finely constructed building, 
standing on high ground, in the middle of a fine Park of lo acres, 80 feet 
above Otsego Lake, and 1800 feet above the level of the sea. Exceeded by 
few, if any, of the resorts of the Catskills or the Adiiondacks. 

Pure Mountain Air, ■j No Malaria,-^ 

-*^No Musquitoes, + Hay Fever Unknown. 

The hotel has elegant accommodations for 500 guests. All modern im- 
provements. Hot and cold water baths. A never-failing supply of pure 
spring water. 

The CUISINE of the Hotel has long been noted as one of 
the hest in the Country. 

^ SUPEBIOR STABLINQ ACCOMMODATIONS, &c. ^ 

'■ m>^ ' \ 

Fine Sail and Row Boats to be had at All Times. 

The Cooper House will be kept in every way for first-class patronage, at 
prices ranging from $15 to $25 per week. Open from June 25th to Oct. ist. 



Dally Communication with RlcMeld Springs, Howe's Cave, Etc. 

From, NEW YORK, COOrERSTOWN is reached hy either Boat or Rail to 

ALBANY, and thence hy the Z>. & H, C. Co's R. R, 

Parlor Cars on All Trains, 

For further particulars address the undersigned. 

S. E. CRITTENDEN, PROPRIETOR. 



PAVILION HOTEL, 

HOWE'S CAVE, 

Schoharie Co., 
N. Y. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS \ 



) 



014 223 801 9 



